One of the most dramatic moments in David McVicar’s production of Salome sees the blood-drenched titular character passionately caress and kiss the severed head of John the Baptist.

In this year’s production, John the Baptist, previously sung by Johan Reuter in 2010 - will be played by Egils Silins. Over the last couple of months, prop artist Steve Jolley has been busy working to create a new head 'double' for the Latvian singer and we have filmed the process.

Our short film will show the grisly head developing from an inert lump of clay to a blood-spurting, severed stump.

Taking note of everything from the shape of the inner-nostrils, to the depth of the wrinkles, to the thickness of the eyebrows, the Props team have worked with painstakingly to produce a convincing likeness of the singer.Our film will show the transformation stage-by-stage and offer a unique insight into the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes at the Royal Opera House

Take a look at our image gallery for a further glimpse into this fascinating - and slightly gruesome - process: